Ucube

It sounds like you're set on the 993, so what's the problem? Buy the one you really want and stop the analysis paralysis.

AudiologisTT

george: sent you a PM

-audiologisTT

RonCT

Well, I'll throw something else into the mix... I have a wonderful 997S that is a fantastic car. After enjoying it on the track all last year, I decided it was too nice (and expensive) to put a roll cage, GT2 seats, harnesses, damptronics, adjustable sways, etc. So I decided to get an older "classic" 911 and use it as my track / street (limited) car. I thought the 993 was what I wanted, but once I did the hard research I realized it wasn't the one. Yes, 993 might be the last air cooled, but they are dangerously close to the era of electronics and luxury. So, I ended up buying a perfect 1992 C2 coupe and am extremely happy I did so for too many reasons to go into.

So, to answer your question, I'd limit my search to two cars:

1. As new a 997 as you can find with warranty and / or CPO. Nothing like knowing that no matter what happens, Porsche is going to fix it.

2. A "pristine" 964 from 92 to 94 if a C2 and any year Turbo.

NVRANUF

Had a 993 and now have a 997..... no regrets here.

georgiadis

If I eventually go for a 997, it will be as cheap a car as I can find (as close to $50K as possible) and this will mean an '05 model without any warranty left.

I was considering a 964 RS America, but these are priced at least as much as 993's and I feel that I am paying for its exclusitivity rather than its performance.
If I could find a Euro RS spec-ed 964 of course, that would be a totally different issue.

THPorsche

this thread should help:
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/416838-at-what-point-is-a-dealer-willing-to-let-go.html

RonCT

There's no reason to pay a premium for a RSA as in real world it suffers from a few things over the C2. One major one is the lack of power steering.

For your $50k limit, you could find yourself a pristine 1992-94 C2 and have $25k in the bank or you could get yourself a pristine 964 Turbo and still have some money left over.

cole328

Whatever you do, stay away from the boxster if that will be your only Porsche..I had one in ''05, and while a great car no doubt, I was always looking over the fence wishing I had the "adult" car....you will too...trust me Get a used 997 and have no regrets...

cvazquez

My favorite 911 was the 964, until I drove the 993, and that love affair lasted until I drove the 997! I always keep my options open for improvements...

AndreCT

buy the newest car you can afford... 997 base or S is better than any older 996 or 993.. i.m.o. for a host of reasons. Good luck

brabo66

I´d go for the 993... of course I own one.

I had almost the same "problem". All I wanted was a convertible (even thought on a 914) and I found a perfect P-car for me, a polar silver/black 1996 993 cab. I just love it. If you are going to SoCal get a convertible, you will never imagine how many chicks you´re gonna get

stevebmd

George. My 2008 cpo 997 was less than 60k. Get yourself the newest 997 cpo you can afford. They are getting cheaper by the minute

georgiadis

Thank you guys for your input!
I ended up buying an '02 911 Targa, Carrera white with gray interior!
I actually started another thread when I got it last August.
A recent pic in San Simeon is attached.

OldGuy

George too bad. I am thoroughly qualified to answer this question. The answer is the 996 TT.
Its the best value there and the most bulletproof car in your list.
You came close with the 996 Targa. I will go down the list and tell you why each car is disqualified FOR YOU and which one was the best choice. I have owned 993TT-996GT3-997GT3-997 C2S

1. 993 is too maintenence intensive for a grad student PLUS how many GOOD Greek mechanics do you know?
2. 996 911 RMS problems with Porsche first watercooled motor with wet sump oiling system
3. 996 GT3 Great car but very raw to drive around Brentwood. Unless you were picking up OJ.
4. 996 TT Perfect Bullet proof motor, LOTS of them to choose from, highly moddable (dont advise it for you) VERY affordable. Kinda has some sleeper looks.
5. 997 911 Not a bad choice either but for a grad student the prices are up around 996 TT or more?
6. 997 GT3 Too much for a grad student
7. 997 TT same but getting in the $70-80K range.

I would have bought the 996 TT. You see them in the 45k range for NICE ones and just a great car for not alot.

Problem with your 996 Targa is resale. Niche market for someone who is probably going to want to sell
it quick when you graduate.

Still you made a better choice. Not BEST but better.

georgiadis

Thank you Oldguy! Well written!
The 996 Turbo would have probably been too powerful... and it wouldn't have had the practicality of the hatch in the Targa - for e.g. it would be pretty hard to get my ski in through the door.
Also, I just fell in love with that car the moment I saw it... I just had to have it!

Hopefully I won't want/need to sell quick when I graduate, I plan on sticking around. And hopefully get a GT3 then So in love with that car!!